Kanan Jarrus, a Jedi survivor of Order 66, wielded a unique blue-bladed lightsaber with a collapsible hilt for concealment. As a rebel leader and mentor to Ezra Bridger, his weapon symbolized his evolution from fugitive to Jedi Knight. After his sacrifice, the saber was lost on Lothal, marking the end of his journey.
Kanan Jarrus’ lightsaber is more than just a weapon—it’s a symbol of resilience, survival, and transformation. As one of the few Jedi to escape the devastating events of Order 66, Kanan’s journey from Jedi Padawan to rebel leader is closely intertwined with this unique lightsaber.
Unlike traditional Jedi weapons, Kanan’s lightsaber was built with concealment and practicality in mind, featuring a collapsible design that allowed him to blend into his surroundings while carrying the legacy of the Jedi Order.
In the below article, we’re going to take a look at this less-known but highly important Jedi’s unique weapon.
Before adopting the name Kanan Jarrus, he was known as Caleb Dume—a promising Jedi Padawan trained by Master Depa Billaba.
However, his life took a dark turn when the infamous Order 66 was issued, forcing him into hiding as the Galactic Empire rose to power. Living under an assumed identity, Kanan tried to distance himself from his Jedi past, abandoning his lightsaber for a blaster.
Over time, Kanan found new purpose when he joined the Ghost Crew, a band of rebels fighting against the Empire. He not only wielded his lightsaber in battle but also mentored Ezra Bridger, a young Force-sensitive orphan. Kanan’s lightsaber became a symbol of his dual identity—both a survivor rediscovering his Jedi heritage and a leader of the growing rebellion.
Kanan’s lightsaber is renowned for its vibrant blue blade, a color commonly associated with Jedi Guardians. Blue lightsabers symbolize courage, protection, and justice, reflecting Kanan’s role on the front lines of the rebellion.
Unlike standard Jedi lightsabers, Kanan’s saber was equipped with an adjustable blade length and a low-power setting, making it ideal for training sessions with Ezra Bridger and Sabine Wren. These features allowed him to serve as both a warrior and a mentor, preparing the next generation of rebels to fight the tyranny of the Galactic Empire.
Kanan Jarrus’ lightsaber is a blend of traditional Jedi craftsmanship and innovative functionality.
One of the most innovative aspects of Kanan’s lightsaber is its detachable hilt, which could be split into two parts: the emitter shroud and the main body. This feature allowed Kanan to carry the pieces separately on his belt, making it harder for Imperial forces to identify him as a Jedi.
When needed, Kanan could quickly reassemble the lightsaber with a simple twist, giving him a significant tactical advantage in combat.
The hilt’s minimalist design, featuring silver and black accents, reflected Kanan’s practical approach to survival and combat in a hostile galaxy.
Kanan constructed his lightsaber as a Padawan under Master Depa Billaba’s guidance, one of many famous female Jedi in the Star Wars universe. Like many young Jedi, he built it during a rite of passage on Ilum, selecting a kyber crystal that resonated with his connection to the Force.
After the fall of the Jedi Order, Kanan abandoned his lightsaber for a time, preferring to use a blaster to avoid detection.
However, he always kept the weapon close, knowing it was a vital link to his past and his identity as a Jedi. When he eventually embraced his role in the rebellion, Kanan modified the lightsaber to match his new life, transforming it into a collapsible weapon that could be carried discreetly.
The blue blade of Kanan Jarrus’ lightsaber is a beacon of hope in a galaxy overshadowed by darkness. Blue lightsabers symbolize bravery, protection, and dedication to justice—traits that define Kanan’s character.
His connection to the blue blade reflects his transformation from a reluctant survivor to a confident Jedi who embraces his destiny.
Kanan Jarrus’ lightsaber tells the story of his personal evolution. During his early years in hiding, the weapon served as a reminder of his painful past and the loss of the Jedi Order.
However, as Kanan rekindled his connection to the Force and took on new responsibilities, the lightsaber became a symbol of his rebirth--much as the Darksaber represents leadership and unity in Mandalorian culture.
Upon modifying the lightsaber to suit his new life, Kanan demonstrated both resourcefulness and adaptability. The collapsible design allowed him to avoid detection while staying prepared for battle, a crucial advantage in the dangerous era of Imperial rule.
Kanan’s lightsaber was often hidden from sight, stored in two separate pieces on his belt. This clever design allowed him to carry the weapon without drawing attention to himself, maintaining the secrecy of his Jedi identity.
When the time came to reveal his true self, Kanan’s lightsaber was a powerful symbol of defiance against the Empire.
When Kanan fully embraced his role as a Jedi once again, he reassembled his lightsaber and wielded it with renewed purpose.
Its return marked a turning point in his journey, symbolizing his commitment to the rebellion and his reconnection with the Force.
The collapsible design of Kanan Jarrus’ lightsaber was a groundbreaking innovation, setting it apart from traditional Jedi weapons.
The ability to split the weapon into two parts provided Kanan with a significant tactical edge, allowing him to adapt to various situations with ease.
Kanan Jarrus was a skilled duelist, mastering several lightsaber forms, including Soresu (Form III) and Djem So (Form V).
His training under Depa Billaba focused on defensive techniques, making him highly effective at deflecting blaster fire and holding his ground against multiple opponents.
Even after being blinded by Darth Maul, Kanan continued to wield his lightsaber with remarkable precision, relying on the Force to guide him. His resilience and adaptability made him one of the rebellion’s most formidable warriors.
In his final moments, Kanan’s lightsaber was lost during a mission on Lothal. After being disarmed by Rukh, the weapon was recovered by Governor Arihnda Pryce and presented to Grand Admiral Thrawn as proof of Kanan’s death. Unfortunately, it was likely destroyed when the Imperial Complex was obliterated during the rebels’ final assault on Lothal.
Kanan Jarrus’ lightsaber remains a powerful symbol of hope and perseverance. It represents the enduring spirit of the Jedi and the belief that even in the darkest times, light can prevail.
For those who fought alongside him, the lightsaber serves as a reminder of his sacrifices and the strength he inspired in others.
Kanan Jarrus’ lightsaber has appeared in several key moments throughout Star Wars media, including Star Wars: Rebels and multiple spin-off novels. Its unique design and significance within the Star Wars universe have made it an enduring icon for fans.
Outside of canon, Kanan’s lightsaber has been featured in various expanded universe stories, comics, and fan interpretations, further cementing its legacy as a beloved part of Star Wars lore.
